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TV program shows how to deal with Y2K Worried about the start of the new millennium? Relax. Southern Oregon Public Television, the Mail Tribune, the city of Medford and the Medford Water Commission have it covered. SOPTV has just completed production of a 30-minute show titled "Emergency Preparedness 2000." It debuts at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, and repeats at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, on KSYS Channel 8. After the initial broadcasts, the show will be featured monthly on KSYS. "The production came about because of numerous phone calls to city offices from folks concerned about potential problems that may arise because of the Y2K millennium bug," said Kay Dix, public information officer at SOPTV. As the year 2000 approaches, concerns have been raised that computers with older microprocessing units may not be able to accurately read the year 2000. The fear is that as the date clicks over to a string of zeros, date-sensitive systems will fail catastrophically. These include utilities and monetary systems dependent on computers that won't recognize a year of zeros. "Emergency Preparedness 2000," is designed to give accurate information about Y2K and emergency preparedness associated with other potential disasters, such as floods or earthquakes _ to avoid panic and misinformation. Prior to the show's premiere, the Mail Tribune will publish an Emergency Preparedness Checklist, a companion piece to the program. The checklist will be in the Friday, July 30, and Sunday, Aug. 1, editions. The checklist also will be distributed at various locations throughout Medford, and used in conjunction with local group viewings of the program. "Emergency Preparedness 2000" is a detailed look at what Rogue Valley residents should do in an emergency situation. Seniors and children are the main focus of the show, but the information is valuable for all segments of society, sponsors say. Preparations that the city and various utilities have made for all emergency situations will be examined, as well as preparations viewers can make. Topics covered include what to do if there is a power failure, disruption of communication, water or transportation. What to do if hospitals fail to function as well as how to handle disruption in service from banks and government agencies also will be scrutinized. A portion of the program also looks at public safety and how to find food and shelter. SOPTV produced the show in partnership with the city of Medford, the Medford Water Commission and the Mail Tribune. "Emergency Preparedness 2000" airs at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, and 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, on KSYS Channel 8. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA